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From the time the competitor enters the
arena they are under the jurisdiction of
the judge. The majority of classes place
an emphasis on the horse, however, the rider
is on show in the Equitation classes as
position and control are judged.
NEW: For the first time at HOY 2008 the
new National Equitation Series features
on the programme.
This new series, a concept introduced by
the Waikato group, has been supported by
Showhunter New Zealand to run nationally
and enhances the technical aspect of Showhunter.
The finals will be celebrated at HOY.
Run along similar lines as the popular KiwiSpan
and EIT High Points classes there is a full
programme of events throughout the country
with riders accumulating points on a national
leader board. Shows incorporating the national
series start in October and culminate at
the Horse of the Year.
Classes are offered to pony riders and riders
under 21 years riding horses. The pony class
is run at a height of 80cm with the horse
classes at 1m. Judging is based on rider
position, control of their mount, and style,
as equitation epitomises the technical accuracy
of jumping.
In 2008 the organising team from Waitemata
have decided to change the present format
from Equitation being run in categories
to age group events. There will be a special
class for riders 12 years and under, as
well as the new NZ Showhunter Equitation
series class open to all aged riders on
ponies. Riders 12 years and under will have
to choose which class they enter, bearing
in mind that the series class is run at
80cm using Category C stride lengths. A
change in the horse ring sees the Equitation
being split into Juniors & Riders over
21 years.
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